How Does Epoxy Differ From Garage Paint? (2021)

When it comes to deciding how to cover your boring concrete garage, two options take the prize as the two top choices. These options are either garage paint or an epoxy coating.

All too often, homeowners base their garage floor decision solely on price. They usually do not dive deep into the characteristics of the floor or learn why it is not wise to choose them. Some homeowners feel that they can pull off professional quality results with cheap DIY kits; which is simply not possible.

Latex Garage Floor Paint

Per the name, garage floor paint is simply that: paint. It rolls onto the surface creating a thin layer that protects the surface of the concrete. The latex base allows for the paint to adhere to the concrete surface quickly. Once placed on the floor, it will dry down similar to other wall coatings. Unfortunately, unlike 100%-solid epoxy resin, the minimal amount of resin that garage floor paint has in it doesn’t offer much protection to your floor at all. With this kind of covering, you will be rolling on a new coat within a few years.

One-Part Epoxy Garage Floor Paint

One step above latex epoxy paint is a one-part epoxy garage floor paint. Although this product is still a roll-on solution, it offers many more benefits over its latex-only counterparts. While this is a more durable product, it still isn’t 100% solids epoxy, leaving it vulnerable to peeling and delamination.

Once cured, these one-part epoxy floor paint surfaces will withstand impacts and stains much better than its latex counterparts. You will see these kinds of surfaces last longer than cheap roll-on kits, but for professional results, a professionally applied 100%-solids epoxy system will always perform the best.

100% Solids Epoxy

When it comes to having the best possible application of epoxy for your garage floor, using 100%-solids epoxy done by a professional installer will yield the best results. This type of flooring system requires very minimal maintenance after the installation process, allowing for a worry-free flooring system.

Contrary to popular paint-based kits, 100%-solids epoxy does not coat your floor, but builds on-top of it. The surface is roughed up to an appropriate surface profile which allows the epoxy to bond with the concrete better than its paint-based counterparts.

What makes Epoxy Special?

With any flooring solution, the ability to be versatile in its design abilities is very important; especially in a garage where your imagination can run wild. Epoxy flooring can be installed to mimic other flooring materials, like marble and tile. Even though epoxy flooring can mimic these other flooring alternatives, it remains a one of a kind surface, unlike any other flooring application. No matter your preferred style or desired outcome, a professionally applied epoxy floor will fit any of your needs.

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding which flooring solution to choose for your garage floor, the option that is the best long-term investment is clear. Garage paint will peel, while a professionally installed epoxy floor will last upwards of 20 years. If you are looking for a contractor to install your floors for you, we recommend using Epoxy Network to find a professional near you. If you have any other questions regarding epoxy and its advantages over other solutions, feel free to reach out to any of our specialists at (954)-799-6359.